Latest news with #GACA
Filipino Times
an hour ago
- Filipino Times
Saudi Arabia maintains smooth air traffic amid surge in flights
Saudi Arabia has maintained the smooth flow of air traffic despite the rising tensions in the region and surge in flights. According to Saudi Press Agency, the Kingdom opened its airspace and activated advanced crisis management protocols to handle an average of over 1,330 daily flights, nearly twice the number recorded before the conflict began. To accommodate the surge, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) opened additional air routes, expanded airspace capacity, and implemented advanced navigational procedures that reduced flight times and prevented delays. More than 220 international air carriers crossed Saudi skies during this period, with the Kingdom ensuring safety and continuity through pre-planned expansion procedures and strict airspace security. Flight operations were supported by real-time data analysis, high-tech surveillance systems, and over 1,900 aviation professionals, including more than 700 air traffic controllers. Saudi Arabia's extensive air navigation system, featuring 20 control towers, 15 area control sectors, and over 1,200 navigation devices, also played a critical role in maintaining uninterrupted and secure air traffic operations.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia, UK sign one-stop security deal for transit passengers
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and UK Government have signed a one-stop security agreement in London, aimed at enhancing the experience of transit passengers by streamlining security procedures at Saudi Arabia airports. Under the agreement, passengers travelling from UK airports via Saudi Arabia will no longer be required to undergo security screening during transit. Security procedures completed at UK airports will be recognised at Saudi airports, allowing for faster connections and reduced transit times, while maintaining the highest international standards of aviation safety and security. This milestone marks a strategic step in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub, supporting the goals of the Saudi Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030 to enhance air connectivity and facilitate seamless international travel, said GACA in a statement. This initiative is part of GACA's broader efforts to leverage technology and digital solutions to transform Saudi airports into world-class gateways, ensuring secure, efficient, and passenger centric operations, it stated. The agreement was signed by Abdulaziz Al Duailej, the President of GACA, and Dr Rannia Leontaridi, the Director General for Aviation, Maritime, and Security at the UK Department for Transport. "This agreement reflects the high level of trust and alignment between the security frameworks of both countries," said Mohammed Al Fawzan, the Executive Vice President for Aviation Security at GACA. "It is expected to enhance the passenger journey by reducing wait times and eliminating redundant security checks. It will also improve airport and airline efficiency by shortening turnaround times and strengthening operational coordination through the exchange of best practices and risk data," he added.- TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UK flyers transiting Saudi airports will no longer face double security checks thanks to one-stop deal
The UK-Saudi One-Stop Airport Agreement allows UK flyers to skip security checks in Saudi airports, as checks completed in the UK are recognized/ Image: (File) Passengers flying out of the United Kingdom and connecting through Saudi Arabia will now experience a much smoother airport transit process. Thanks to a newly signed One-Stop Security Agreement between the UK Government and Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), travelers from the UK will no longer be required to undergo a second round of security screening when passing through Saudi airports. This bilateral agreement is designed to reduce long wait times and simplify the travel experience for passengers connecting to onward destinations across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East via Saudi hubs. Previously, even passengers merely transiting through Saudi Arabia had to clear local security checks again, adding stress, time, and often longer layovers to their journeys. How the Change Works The key change lies in mutual recognition: Saudi Arabia will now accept security screenings conducted at UK airports as valid for transit purposes. That means passengers who have already passed through airport security at locations like London Heathrow, Manchester, or Birmingham won't be screened again at Saudi entry points such as King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh or King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. According to Mohammed Al-Fawzan, Executive Vice President for Aviation Security at GACA, 'This agreement reflects the high level of trust and alignment between the security frameworks of both countries.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo He also emphasized that the agreement is expected to 'significantly reduce transit wait times and improve the overall travel experience, particularly for those making onward connections to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East via Saudi airports.' Benefits for GCC and Long-Haul Travelers The agreement is not only a breakthrough for UK-based travelers but also for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents who often begin their long-haul journeys via UK airports. Many travelers from the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar frequently transit through Saudi hubs when flying from the UK to destinations like India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. By eliminating redundant security procedures, the new policy will save time, reduce stress, and offer a more seamless journey—particularly beneficial for: Business travelers on tight schedules Families navigating complex multi-leg journeys Frequent flyers seeking convenience and efficiency Additionally, this move supports Saudi Arabia's broader vision of transforming itself into a global aviation hub. The modernization of airport infrastructure and enhancement of passenger experience are key pillars of its national aviation strategy. A Strategic Win for Both Countries The One-Stop Security Agreement marks a new level of cooperation between the UK and Saudi Arabia in civil aviation and national security. It signals increased trust in each other's airport screening systems and brings Saudi Arabia in line with global standards that favor traveler convenience without compromising safety. For passengers, the impact is immediate and practical: faster transfers, fewer delays, and a more pleasant travel experience. As travel rebounds globally and Saudi Arabia positions its major airports as competitive transit hubs, this development could attract more international travelers to use Saudi airports as layover points, not just out of necessity, but by choice.
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia, UK sign one-stop airport security deal
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom have signed a landmark aviation security agreement that eliminates the need for rescreening passengers at Saudi airports when arriving from the UK. The "One-Stop Security Agreement" was formalized between the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia and the UK's Department for Transport during a recent bilateral meeting. Under the new deal, both countries will mutually recognize each other's airport security screening procedures. This means travelers departing from or transiting through UK airports will not undergo redundant security checks upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. By removing the requirement for rescreening, the agreement aims to accelerate transit procedures, shorten connection times, and improve aircraft scheduling by reducing ground delays. The pact also strengthens technical and security cooperation between the two nations and supports broader efforts to enhance global air connectivity.
Arabian Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia and the UK enter one-stop airport security agreement
Passengers traveling from airports in the United Kingdom via Saudi Arabia will no longer be required to undergo security screening during transit. This was made possible following a one-stop security agreement signed between the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the United Kingdom. The agreement – signed in London by Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA, and Dr Rannia Leontaridi, Director General for Aviation, Maritime, and Security at the UK Department for Transport – is a step toward enhancing the experience of transit passengers by streamlining security procedures at Saudi Arabian airports. Completed UK security procedures will be recognised in Saudi Arabia Security procedures completed at UK airports will be recognised at Saudi airports, allowing for faster connections and reduced transit times, while maintaining the highest international standards of aviation safety and security. Mohammed Al-Fawzan, Executive Vice President for Aviation Security at GACA, commented: 'This agreement reflects the high level of trust and alignment between the security frameworks of both countries. 'It is expected to enhance the passengers' journey by reducing wait times and eliminating redundant security checks. It will also improve airport and airline efficiency by shortening turnaround times and strengthening operational coordination through the exchange of best practices and risk data.' The agreement is another strategic step in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub, supporting the goals of the Saudi Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030 to enhance air connectivity and facilitate seamless international travel.
